CS8 football notes: Simpson’s cancer operation a success

TODD ENGLE

Wednesday

Sep 30, 2009 at 12:01 AMSep 30, 2009 at 5:37 PM

Springfield High School senior Justin Simpson underwent a successful operation on Monday morning to treat his testicular cancer. The next step in his treatment is pending a pathology report from an oncologist.

Springfield High School senior Justin Simpson underwent a successful operation on Monday morning to treat his testicular cancer.

The next step in his treatment is pending a pathology report from an oncologist.

Simpson is in good spirits following the procedure.

“He thinks he’s going back to school (today), but I know the answer to that one,” Springfield coach Mike Taylor said with a smile.

While he likely won’t make it back to class today, the hope is that Simpson can join the team for a meal on Thursday and attend Friday’s showdown with Glenwood.

Career night

Any pigskin-loving fool could see that Glenwood quarterback Caleb Cox had a career night against Lincoln last Friday.

Cox completed all six of his pass attempts for 208 yards and three touchdowns.

As it turned out, it was one of the most effective games the state has ever seen. Cox averaged 34.6 yards per completion, which ranks 14th in state history according to the IHSA’s record book. And Cox is one of just four players on that list to maintain that gaudy average with at least six completions.

The numbers were boosted by a 90-yard touchdown pass to Tony Giovannelli and a 72-yard scoring heave to Jared Turner.

“He had some things that were open, and he threw the ball real well. Those guys ran real nice pass routes, and Caleb put it on them,” Glenwood coach Dan Rourke said. “They can both run, and they took it to the end zone.”

Rourke also was cautiously optimistic about the return of running back Devin VonNordheim-Moore, who was hurt against Sacred Heart-Griffin and missed the Lincoln game. Glenwood hosts Springfield on Friday.

“If he had to play, he probably could’ve. There was an unknown there… and you don’t take chances on a kid’s shoulder, so we didn’t,” Rourke said. “That’s why we’ve got old guys like me coaching the team. If it was up to Devin, he’d have played.”

Cyclones on the mend

SHG finished the game against Southeast without two of its most important pieces — quarterback Eric Williamson and middle linebacker Darryl McMath.

“Connor did a great job, and if we have to use Connor, we have all the confidence in the world in him,” Leonard said.

SHG’s regular kicker, John McDermott, was a bit dinged up against Southeast. He played in his normal spot on defense, but the kicking duties were left to Connor Peters, who connected on 4 of 5 extra points.

“It’s football season, there’s going to be bumps and bruises,” Leonard said. “If you don’t have to use somebody, then don’t.”

Paying tribute

Southeast unveiled a new uniform feature in its game against SHG. The Spartans sported a white No. 3 on the left side of their dark blue helmets in honor of teammate Jonathan Rouse, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against Lincoln.

King set to run again

Lanphier coach Steve Buecker expected to have running back Malcolm King back on the sideline for last week’s game against Springfield High, but another disciplinary incident forced King to miss another game.

But King should be back in uniform when the Lions host Springfield on Saturday night.

“He practiced today. He’ll be with us, and ready to go for Lincoln,” Buecker said Tuesday. “It’s just unfortunate situations. You hope he learns from it and moves on. With or without him, we’ll be just fine, but we definitely want him aboard and want him to be a part of it.”

Todd Engle can be reached at 788-1546.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Information

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
The State Journal-Register ~ Street address: One Copley Plaza (corner of Ninth Street and Capitol Avenue), Springfield, ILMailing address: The State Journal-Register, P.O. Box 219, Springfield, IL 62705-0219 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service